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PEI and NS around labour day

I am thinking of visiting this area around the Labour Day 2010.
What are the pros and cons of visiting the week before the Labour Day, the week including the Labour Day, and the week after the Labour Day? The itinerary includes the Caribou ferry, the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and Halifax.

I've visited the 2 weeks leading up to Labour Day several times and think it's an excellent time. All the tourist oriented attractions and facilities are up and running full force but the crowds start to thin a bit towards the end of summer. I've always been lucky with weather too. Accommodation becomes a bit more available (although I would definitely book ahead for Labour Day weekend itself). I spent Labour Day weekend in Halifax once and it was bustling and fun.

I have not visited the week after Labour Day. The crowds would certainly be much smaller. Some tourist attractions may go on a more limited schedule after Labour Day. You will probably benefit from some shoulder season accommodations prices, and could probably be much more flexible in your schedule, less concern about booking ahead.

Last year on PEI I managed to get off season rates for a cottage the last week of August. Several of the motels around Cavendish also had signs posted the rates were off-season as well. I wouldn't worry about booking until closer to the time you are going to visit.

PEI celebrates "Old Home Week" in mid August. There is a major parade, Gold Cup races in Charlottetown, and other special events. This is the season finale and the tourists start to depart. Then there are a number of events to celebrate the Labour Day weekend - much fun without big crowds. Enjoy.